Despatch Controller

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!

To manage and control all dispatch operations within the bakery, ensuring that customer deliveries, daily route vehicles, inter-depot transfers, and inter-bakery shipments are loaded accurately, dispatched on time, and supported by complete and accurate documentation. The Dispatch Controller is responsible for maintaining service levels, minimizing losses, controlling stock movements, and leading the dispatch team to achieve operational excellence.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Dispatch Operations Management

• Plan, coordinate, and control the daily dispatch operation.
• Ensure all route vehicles are loaded and dispatched according to delivery schedules.
• Manage inter-depot and inter-bakery stock transfers to ensure product availability across the network.
• Monitor dispatch performance against service level targets.
• Ensure all deliveries depart within scheduled dispatch times.
• Coordinate with Production, Distribution, and Sales teams regarding product availability and delivery requirements.
• Manage late orders, emergency deliveries, and operational changes.

2. Stock Control and Reconciliation

• Verify all stock issued from production to dispatch.
• Ensure accurate recording of bread, rolls, and other bakery products dispatched.
• Investigate and resolve stock variances, shortages, and overages.
• Conduct daily dispatch reconciliations.
• Monitor returns and ensure correct processing of returned stock.
• Maintain inventory accuracy within the dispatch area.

3. Fleet and Transport Coordination

• Coordinate truck loading sequences and dispatch schedules.
• Monitor vehicle availability and loading readiness.
• Ensure inter-depot transfer vehicles are loaded according to transfer orders.
• Liaise with transport providers and distribution teams regarding delays or operational issues.
• Monitor vehicle turnaround times and loading efficiency.

4. Team Leadership and Supervision

• Supervise Dispatch Clerks and Loaders.
• Allocate daily tasks and responsibilities.
• Monitor employee attendance, productivity, and performance.
• Conduct toolbox talks and daily operational briefings.
• Coach, train, and develop team members.
• Manage disciplinary issues in accordance with company procedures.
• Ensure adequate staffing levels for operational requirements.

5. Loading and Dispatch Accuracy

• Ensure vehicles are loaded according to approved loading sheets.
• Verify correct product quantities and route allocations.
• Ensure all dispatch documentation is complete and accurate before vehicle departure.
• Minimize loading errors and customer delivery discrepancies.
• Implement controls to prevent product losses and unauthorized stock movements.

6. Customer Service and Service Levels

• Ensure customer orders are fulfilled accurately and on time.
• Monitor depot and customer service levels.
• Investigate delivery failures and implement corrective actions.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to improve customer satisfaction.

7. Health, Safety, and Food Safety Compliance

• Ensure compliance with bakery food safety standards.
• Maintain housekeeping standards within dispatch areas.
• Ensure adherence to Occupational Health and Safety requirements.
• Conduct safety inspections and address identified risks.
• Ensure safe loading practices are followed at all times.

8. Reporting and Administration

• Prepare daily dispatch performance reports.
• Report loading performance, service levels, and stock variances.
• Monitor key operational KPIs.
• Maintain dispatch records and documentation.
• Provide operational updates to management.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE:

• Grade 12 or equivalent

• 3 years despatch controlling experience withing FMCG

• Computer skills

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In accordance with the employment equity plan of Tiger Brands and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited, to candidates from under-represented designated groups.